Steel deck framing means the joists and beams under your deck are galvanized steel instead of lumber. At Paragon Fence Co, we build on an engineered galvanized steel framing system from a Colorado Springs supplier, made from G-90 galvanized steel that resists rust. Want to see if it fits your yard? Get a free estimate or call 719-330-7146.
I'm Manuel, and I've been doing carpentry for over 10 years. Here's how a steel deck frame works, how it compares to wood, and what it looks like when we build one.
What is steel deck framing?
Steel framing, in plain English
A deck frame is everything under the boards: the joists, the beams, the ledger along the house and the rim around the edge. On a steel frame deck, those parts are galvanized steel instead of lumber. The steel is shaped into straight framing members, and your decking goes on top just like it would on wood.
What G-90 galvanizing means
G-90 is a zinc coating on the steel. According to the American Galvanizers Association (AGA), that zinc coating resists rust. Cutting and punching the steel leaves small uncoated spots, and the AGA recommends touching those up. Galvanized steel can still corrode if the coating gets damaged, so think of the zinc as protection for the steel.
Our Galvanized Steel Deck Framing System
Built from an engineered framing system
The framing system we build on is engineered, with span and beam charts for laying out the joists and beams.
Screwed and pinned together
The frame goes together with #10 zinc self-drilling screws and galvanized helical pins. That's how the system is designed to go together.
Keeping the frame out of the soil
Your deck sits on dug concrete pier footings, and we keep the steel out of the soil and away from standing water. The frame belongs up under your decking, not down in the dirt.
Why galvanized steel stays out of the soil
The AGA's coating life model doesn't cover steel buried in soil. That's one more reason we keep the frame up off the ground.
Steel vs wood deck framing on the Front Range
Steel doesn't rot
Wood framing can rot. Steel doesn't rot. It can corrode if the galvanized coating is damaged, which is why we keep it out of the soil and away from standing water.
Straight, uniform members
Lumber can twist and split as it dries. Steel framing uses straight, uniform members that don't twist or split like lumber.
When wood framing still makes sense
Steel isn't the answer for every deck. If wood framing fits your project better, I'll tell you straight when I come out, and we'll talk through what makes sense for your yard.
Steel framing and wildfire
What IBHS found
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) tested decks against embers and flames. It found that metal substructures significantly reduced the vulnerability of decks to wildfires.
The decking can still burn
A steel frame doesn't stop the decking from burning. Embers can still ignite the decking, especially in the gaps between boards where debris collects. Keep those gaps clean, and keep leaves and stored stuff out from under the deck.
Colorado Springs WUI areas
If you're in the city's wildland urban interface (WUI) area, deck rules may apply. We'll check during your estimate.
Is steel deck framing worth it?
What changes the cost
Every deck is different. The size, the height, stairs, the decking you pick and the railing all change the number. The simple way to know is to let me see your yard. Get a free estimate, and I'll put real numbers on it so you can compare.
Steel frame deck stairs
Stairs are part of the deck, too. Stair stringers and treads are part of the steel framing system, so we can frame your stairs in steel to match the rest of the deck.
What goes on top
The frame is the part you don't see. On top, you get to pick the part you do:
Decking: Trex and Armadillo composite decking
Railing: Fortress railing or custom railing
See more of our deck work on the deck building page and in the gallery.
Permits in the Pikes Peak region
Most decks need a PPRBD permit. The exemption covers only decks that are detached, 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade at any point within 36 inches of the deck's edge, and not serving the required egress door. PPRBD also reviews a site plan for deck permits. When your estimate includes the permit, we pull it.
A real Paragon steel frame deck in Broadmoor
This covered composite deck in the Broadmoor area sits on a galvanized steel frame, with a mountain view. On this one, I used composite decking with hidden fasteners.
How a Paragon build goes
Estimate. I come out, walk your yard and give you a written estimate with real numbers.
Design. We lay out the deck, the stairs, the decking and the railing.
Permit. When your estimate includes the permit, we pull it.
Demo and haul-off. If there's an old deck in the way, we tear it out and haul it off.
Footings and frame. We dig the concrete pier footings, then build the galvanized steel frame, screwed and pinned together.
Decking and rail. The decking goes down and the railing you picked goes on.
Walkthrough. We walk the finished deck together and go over every detail.
FAQ
What is steel deck framing?
It's a deck frame where the joists and beams are galvanized steel instead of lumber. Your decking and railing go on top, just like on a wood frame.
What kind of steel does Paragon use?
We build on an engineered galvanized steel framing system from a Colorado Springs supplier. The steel has a G-90 zinc coating that resists rust.
Does a steel deck frame rot or warp?
Steel doesn't rot, and the frame is made of straight, uniform members that don't twist or split like lumber. Steel can corrode if the coating gets damaged, so we keep the frame out of the soil.
Is steel deck framing worth it in Colorado Springs?
It depends on your deck. Size, height, stairs, the decking and the railing all change the cost. I'll walk your yard, put real numbers on a free estimate, and you can decide from there.
Is a steel frame deck safer in a wildfire?
Testing by IBHS found that metal substructures significantly reduced the vulnerability of decks to wildfires. Embers can still ignite the decking, especially in board gaps where debris collects, so keep those gaps clean. A steel frame helps, but the decking can still burn.
Can you build steel frame deck stairs?
Yes. Stair stringers and treads are part of the steel framing system, so your stairs can be steel framed too.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Colorado Springs?
Most decks do. PPRBD exempts only decks that are detached, 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade at any point within 36 inches of the deck's edge, and not serving the required egress door. PPRBD also reviews a site plan for deck permits. When your estimate includes the permit, we pull it.
Ready for a deck that starts with a steel frame?
Call 719-330-7146 or get a free estimate. I'll come walk your yard with you, and we'll talk through steel framing, decking and railing for the deck you want. Have more questions? Check our FAQ page.
